2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Hilo, HI

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Highlights
Are people in Hilo older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Hilo is 10.9 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Hilo or Santa Cruz?
- Hilo housing costs are 63.5% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Hilo or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Hilo is 5.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Santa Cruz.

Things to do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz, California is an incredible city located in the heart of the Monterey Bay area. This beautiful city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning natural beaches or the charming downtown area. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park, and Seymour Marine Discovery Center. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Santa Cruz their home.

Things to do in Hilo?
Hilo, Hawaii makes the perfect spot for anyone looking for water-related activities such as swimming at Richardson Ocean Park or exploring Lyman Museum & Mission House while also offering stunning views of Mauna Loa Volcano.

 Santa Cruz, CAHilo, HIUnited States
 Population  Unlock46,559329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock8.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.45  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Santa Cruz    44 Reviews

I lived in the Santa Cruz area for 20 years. UCSC alum. Our kids were born there. There are wonderful things about Santa Cruz, but also many serious problems that we  More

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Over 5 years ago

I have been here for four generations! My kids are the fifth. I guess that should tell you how wonderful it is here, at least for us. It's so cool to have world class  More

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I was born over the hill in San Jose area, and as a kid I loved coming over to the boardwalk. Santa Cruz has always been and always will be a town of diversity,  More

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Reviews for Hilo    10 Reviews

If you’re looking at Hilo, then you’re likely being recruited in the medical or education fields. These are where the greatest needs of the community lie, and there are  More

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Over 4 years ago

I enjoyed living in Hawaii County for a number of years, most in Hilo. While Hilo has problems, they are few compared to mainland USA. I never experienced racism by  More

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Over 4 years ago

Too much racism from "native Hawaiians" who aren't actually natives. That keeps me from living in that paradise. I'm this is the "natives" goal.  More

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